Friends Cafe HK – Homey Retro Cha Chaan Teng Selling Affordable Hong Kong Food at Springside Walk
October 11, 2021
If you wish to experience Hong Kong’s homey eateries, look no further than this newly-opened Cha Chaan Teng at Springside Walk! Started by a couple from Hong Kong, Friends Cafe HK is an authentic teahouse that serves up comforting Cantonese dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
The beautiful mosaic tiles and traditional wooden booths will make patrons feel like they’ve been transported to Hong Kong!
Even the menus are featured beneath the glass tabletops for the patron’s easy viewing. Speaking of, the cafe offers a wide selection of snacks, set meals, and drinks.
I ordered one of their popular snacks: Curry Fish Balls ($4). Right away, I could smell the strong aromatics of the curry once it was placed on the table. The curry was sweeter and lighter in texture when compared to our local take on it. One serving comprises five fish balls, with each one boasting a bouncy texture within a fried exterior that gives the ball an extra crunch.
For each signature set meal, you can select a side dish to go with the main and receive a complimentary toast with butter.
I went for a Hong Kong Classic, the Luncheon Meat Noodles with Egg ($6.50). The luncheon meat slice had a slightly crisp exterior despite sitting atop the soup for a while. I was pleased that the soup achieved a light yet flavourful taste as I’ve seen one too many bland Gong Zai Mian. However, I would’ve hoped for more springiness in the noodles. For the side dish, I chose hash browns, that were crisp and fluffy, to give this comforting bowl an additional savouriness.
Another set meal I ordered was the Chicken Chop Rice (Black Pepper Sauce) ($7). The thick piece of chicken was tender and juicy on the inside. The black pepper sauce paired perfectly with the chicken as it added a slight spicy kick to the dish. I ordered a fried egg on the side and was rewarded with an oozy orange yolk.
Calling all sweet-tootheds, you have to try the French Toast ($3.50)! The toast was crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. The small knob of butter melted instantly on the toast, which gave an additional sweetness. I love that the cafe provides a bottle of maple syrup that you can use to your liking.
After a hearty meal, there’s nothing better than washing it down with an ice Pineapple Drink ($3). The pink fizz and sliced pineapple will undoubtedly make your taste buds dance. Although I was slightly disappointed that there weren’t the classic Cha Chaan Teng drinks such as milk tea or yuan yang, this fizzy goodness is equally satisfying.
This authentic family-style teahouse’s homey dishes are a bang for your buck. Be sure to head over for a casual dining session if you’re in the North!
Friends Cafe HK
Address: 60 Springside Walk, #01-18, Singapore 786020
Phone: 8621 1125
Area: North
Opening Hours: 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-8.30pm, Mon to Sunday. Closed on Tuesdays.
Cuisine: Hong Kong
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendscafehk/
MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.
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